NBPTS Exceptional Needs Specialist Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

The characteristic that defines Deaf-Blindness is primarily the combination of hearing and visual impairments that significantly impact an individual's ability to communicate and engage with the world. This condition is not simply a visual or auditory impairment in isolation; rather, it arises when both senses are affected to the extent that it hinders effective communication and interaction.

Individuals with Deaf-Blindness may experience varying degrees of both hearing and vision loss. The severity and nature of their impairments can differ widely from one person to another, which can further complicate their communication methods and learning styles. This dual impairment means that traditional communication techniques, which may rely on either auditory or visual cues, are often insufficient. Consequently, these individuals may require specialized approaches to communication that can incorporate tactile methods, such as Braille or other physical sign systems.

Other options describe aspects that do not fully encapsulate the significance of the combination of impairments in Deaf-Blindness. For instance, defining it as a visual impairment only does not address the auditory component; describing it as a universal impairment affecting all senses exaggerates the condition since Deaf-Blindness primarily involves hearing and vision; lastly, labeling it as a temporary condition does not reflect the reality that many individuals with Deaf-Blindness have lifelong challenges